Dan Levy, the acclaimed Canadian actor and showrunner, became visibly emotional during a recent interview while fondly recalling his late onscreen mother, Catherine O'Hara. The beloved actress passed away at age 71 on January 30 due to a pulmonary embolism, leaving a significant void in the entertainment world.
Emotional Return to Schitt's Creek Setting
During an interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, the 42-year-old son of comedy legend Eugene Levy was asked about potential follow-ups to their hit series Schitt's Creek. Levy responded definitively: 'No, not now. You can't.' This statement came as he visited the same Goodwood-area boutique that famously served as his character David Rose's Apothecary in the beloved sitcom.
'It's tough. It's tough being back,' Levy confessed through tears. 'I didn't think that I'd have quite an emotional reaction. Just a lot of memories… A lot of memories with Catherine. It's what you have to hold onto is the memories of it all.'
Remembering a Comedy Legend
Catherine O'Hara, who co-starred as the eccentric Moira Rose opposite Levy's David Rose, had been suffering from rectal cancer before her passing. She made her final public appearance looking frail at the Angel Awards in Santa Monica on October 16. The four-time Emmy winner's career spanned decades, with memorable roles in sketch comedy series SCTV, the Home Alone films, and Christopher Guest's mockumentaries.
'Listen, for someone who was not on the internet, she knew how to meme,' Levy remarked with affectionate admiration when interviewer Anthony Mason mentioned O'Hara's incredible clip reel.
Schitt's Creek Legacy and Moving Forward
Schitt's Creek, which Levy co-created and starred in alongside O'Hara, aired for six critically-acclaimed seasons on Pop TV from 2015 to 2020. The show became a cultural phenomenon, earning numerous awards and developing a devoted international following.
Despite previously considering a sequel before O'Hara's passing, Levy has now firmly closed that chapter. 'I wouldn't let it in,' he said about comparisons to Schitt's Creek. 'I don't think you can. And you really have to lock the door on that and almost accept the fact that if that is the big crown jewel, fabulous. How wonderful. Everything else has to be something that makes me feel good.'
New Chapter with Big Mistakes
Levy is now channeling his creative energy into a new television project called Big Mistakes, which premieres this Thursday on Netflix. The eight-episode crime comedy features Levy portraying closeted pastor Nicky, who becomes blackmailed into working for dangerous criminals alongside his sister, played by Taylor Ortega.
The ensemble cast includes notable actors Laurie Metcalf, Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum, Abby Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, and Josh Fadem. The series explores themes of dysfunctional family dynamics, continuing Levy's interest in complex interpersonal relationships.
O'Hara's Lasting Legacy
Catherine O'Hara is survived by her husband, four-time Oscar-nominated art director Bo Welch, whom she met in 1987 on the set of Beetlejuice. Together they had two sons: Matthew, 31, and Luke, 28. Her final acting roles included appearances in Apple TV's The Studio and HBO's The Last of Us, though she remains best remembered for her groundbreaking comedic work spanning multiple decades.
As Levy navigates this emotional period while launching his new series, he carries forward the creative spirit and comedic timing he developed alongside O'Hara during their years working together on one of television's most beloved comedies.
